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1 Published by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union DISPATCHER Vol 72, NO 7 July/august 2014 THE INSIDE NEWS LETTERS TO DISPATCHER 2 Pensioners convention notice 2 Tentative Agreement for Northwest Grain 3 Local 4 longshoreman helps save life of Vancouver police officer 3 Artículo en español 7 TRANSITIONS 8 Photo by Michelle Meese ILWU members commemorate Bloody Thursday page 4 Caucus reconvenes: The Longshore Caucus reconvened on July 21 and 22 in San Francisco. In the top left photo are Coast Committeemen Leal Sundet (left) and Ray Ortiz, Jr. In the top right-hand photo Local 23 delegate Conrad Spell (left) presents International President Bob McEllrath with a plaque made by his uncle, Ron Rendina. In the bottom left, Local 19 delegate Rich Austin, Jr. addresses the caucus; and in the bottom right Local 13 delegates (from left to right are Alonzo Bonilla, Mike Piazza and Ray Benavente. Longshore Caucus reconvenes to consider Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA ILWU Longshore Caucus delegates reconvened in San Francisco on July 21 and 22 to review the status of ongoing Longshore contract negotiations. Caucus Chair Joe Cortez quickly brought the session to order, then turned over the podium to International President Bob McEllrath who asked delegates to dedicate their meeting in memory of former Local 13 member and Caucus delegate Alberto Bonilla, who died unexpectedly on May 17 at the age of 43. His son, Albert Bonilla, Jr., attended the Caucus and was recognized by delegates with a warm and sustained standing ovation. Other dedications for fallen members included Armando Castro and Dwayne Washington from Local 10 in the Bay Area; former Local 12 contract negotiations President Wally Robbins of Coos Bay, Oregon; Night Business Agent and Executive Committee member John Johnny Canuck Collins from Local 502 of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; Gerald Pirtilla of Local 52 in Seattle and Jeffrey Jewell of Local 24 in Aberdeen. The 88 Caucus delegates were joined by dozens of fraternal representatives from Hawaii, Alaska and Canada who came to express their solidarity, along with many Pensioners who attended from the Bay Area and beyond. McEllrath recognized International Vice President-Hawaii, Wesley Furtado who attended with Hawaii Longshore Division Negotiating Chairman Elgin Calles, Co-Chairman Dustin Dawson, Spokesman William Haole and Business Agent Dennis Morton. Chairman Elgin Calles provided a brief overview of the Hawaii Longshore Division s contract negotiation effort, noting that they have been in talks with their employers for about two months. Also recognized was ILWU Canada President Mark Gordienko who attended the Caucus with Business Agent Reno Voci. I ve made it clear to our employers that we won t be touching any U.S.-bound cargo if there s trouble, said Gordienko. He also described how ILWU Canada members have been conducting outreach efforts to educate crewmembers on grain ships involved in the lockout by Mitsui-United and Columbia- Marubeni Grain companies. When those ships come north, we re talking with crewmembers and educating them about the ILWU struggle. Delegates thanked outgoing Puget Sound and Washington Area Benefits Director Nick Buckles, who continued on page 5 DISPATCHER July/August

2 LETTERS TO THE DISPATCHER Dear Editor, I wanted to note the passing of my father, John Carr, an ILWU longshore pensioner who had been a member of Locals 10, 13 and 94. He worked on the docks in Oakland and Los Angeles and I am sure some of your readers will remember him. He passed away on July 7. John Carr was born to Mr. Johnny Carr & Mrs. Katie Mae Carr in Baton Rouge, Louisiana December 23, In the early 1950 s, the family moved to San Francisco, John Carr California. Mr. Carr Sr. obtained employment at Hunters Point Shipyard. Johnny, now known to his friends as John, attended Commerce High School, and after graduating, enlisted in the United States Air Force. Soon after leaving the military, he obtained the position of shipping clerk for the company of Ed Newman & Son, where he was a valued and respected employee of the organization. He was also an employee of several renowned companies in San Francisco, including Weinstein s Department Store, and Gayle Winter s, a manufacturer of premium mattresses, before becoming a member of his beloved and esteemed Brotherhood of ILWU, Local 10 in San Francisco. After working in the Bay area for 21 years, he moved to the Port of Los Angeles and joined Local 13 in He worked as a member of Local 13 for two years until moving to Local 94 where he was a member for 25 years until retiring in He is survived by his three daughters, Sherrie Carr Martin, Victoria, Australia, Sheila Carr Therol, Antioch, CA, and Pamela Carr Benschop, Iowa City, IA, his nine Grandchildren, six Great-Grandchildren, three brothers, James, LeRoy and Jessie, and 3rd wife, Stephanie Trinay Carr of Carson. CA. All who knew John will truly miss him. Sincerely, Shelia Carr-Therol Antioch, CA Dear Editor, Attached is a poem for readers of The Dispatcher. The piece was inspired by a conversation I had many years ago with my stepdad, James Long who is a long-time member of the ILWU. He was a member of Local 10 from and Local 63 from 2002-present. He told me about a dispute in 1987 that involved members of the Inlandboatmen s Union and ILWU against Crowley Maritime. One incident we discussed took place in Redwood City where non-union crane operators fled the port after being confronted by a mass of pro-union protestors. I am a graduate of San Francisco State University s MFA program. I am also a multi-generational machinist, working with my dad in the small shop that my great-grandfather built in My poetry has recently appeared, or is forthcoming, in publications including The North American Review, The Fourth River, The Midwest Quarterly, as well as Ted Kooser s American Life in Poetry (Sponsored by The Poetry Foundation and The Library of Congress). I feel blessed to have grown up in an ILWU family. Not only did it provide us with a good job, but it taught me about working class issues, and showed me what the spirited bond, of union brothers and sisters, could accomplish. Sincerely, Ivan Hobson Concord, CA Local 10 For James Long It is not a shore, scattered with seashells or swimmers, but steel cranes and containerships, workers in overalls and hardhats hustling what comes in and lashing what goes out. It is an American tide, a rhythm of union brothers and sisters constant as trade winds. Whose Waterfront? Our Waterfront! That was dad s call, to the scabs caught in the swell. Send your letters to the editor to: The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA or to 47th Annual Pensioners Convention The 47th Annual Convention of the Pacific Coast Pensioners Association will convene at 9:00 AM on Monday, September 15, and adjourn at about Noon on September 17, Place: Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre 711 West Broadway vancouver, British Columbia Contact your local Pensioners Club to get a registration form and lodging information. Labor leaders and lawmakers from Canada will address the Convention ILWU Officers, the Coast Committee, and Local Officers will be join us. Help welcome our guests from Australia, Colombia, and perhaps other nations. You will hear a report on 2014 U.S. Longshore Division Negotiations. Information about health care and pensions will be provided. The Vancouver Host Committee has scheduled a number of fun and exciting activities and side trips. A Banquet will be held Tuesday night. Join the fun. Enjoy a fine meal. Dance your socks off. Meet and greet old friends and new. For more information contact your local Pensioners Club. See you there! In unity, Rich Austin President DISPATCHER Craig Merrilees Communications Director and Managing Editor Roy San Filippo Editor 2 DISPATCHER July/August 2014 ILWU TITLED OFFICERS Robert McEllrath, President Ray A. Familathe, Vice President, Mainland Wesley Furtado, Vice President, Hawaii William E. Adams, Secretary-Treasurer The Dispatcher (ISSN ) is published monthly except for a combined September issue, for $5.00 a year and $10.00 a year for non-members by the ILWU, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA Periodical postage paid at San Francisco, CA. The Dispatcher welcomes letters, photos and other submissions to the above address ILWU, Postmaster: Send address changes to The Dispatcher, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA

3 Tentative Agreement for Northwest Grain A tentative agreement for a new contract covering grain terminals in the Pacific Northwest was reached on August 11, by a negotiating committee representing five ILWU local unions: Local 4 in Vancouver, Local 8 in Portland, Local 19 in Seattle, and Local 21 in Longview and Local 92 in Portland. The membership of each local will review the tentative agreement and vote according to their internal rules, with results to be announced August 25. Terms of the agreement will not be made public until members have a chance to review and vote on the tentative agreement which covers Mitsui-United Grain (UGC) in Vancouver, Marubeni-Columbia Grain in Portland, and Louis Dreyfus in Portland and Seattle. Reduced picket lines will remain at Mitsui-UGC and at Marubeni-Columbia Grain while members vote on the agreement. Local 4 longshoreman helps save life of Vancouver police officer AVancouver, WA police officer is alive today thanks to the medical training and quick-thinking of ILWU Local 4 longshoreman James Bridger Jr. On June 30th Bridger was leaving his neighborhood when he saw Earlene Anderson holding a police officer in her arms as he slumped to the ground. Bridger knew something was wrong and immediately stopped to help. Officer Dustin Goudschaal had been shot several times while making a traffic stop. Anderson was driving in the opposite direction when the shooting occurred. She ran over to help after the suspect driving a black truck sped off just before Bridger came on the scene. Goudschaal had been struck several times in his bullet proof vest and once in the neck which was bleeding profusely. He was unable to speak because of his wounds. After helping apply pressure to the bandage, he reached across Goudschaal s chest, grabbed his radio, and yelled: Code 33! He said that an officer was shot and that they needed help immediately. Bridger had worked as reserve officer with the Battle Ground Police Department and as a volunteer with Fire District 3. Even though its been a few years, my training just sort of kicked in, said Bridger. Goudschaal thanked Bridger when he visited him in the hospital the next day. He told me, It s because of you that I m here, Bridger said. A few months earlier, Bridger s relationship with the Vancouver police was not as friendly. Bridger had been arrested for malicious mischief after he was struck by a van while walking the picket line outside of the United Grain terminal. The van driver was not arrested. Both Bridger and Anderson were honored by the Vancouver City Council on July 7 for their role in helping to save the life of Officer Goudschaal. Vancouver police officers lined the walls of the council chambers during the meeting. Goudschaal was still recovering from the shooting and was unable to attend. A friend read a statement from Goudschaal and his wife Kate, Local 4 longshoreman, James Bridger, Jr. I choose to believe, that for whatever reason, those two good Samaritans were meant to be there in that moment to help Dustin, and for this, we are eternally grateful. I was just in the right place at the right time, Bridger said. This was just one union brother helping another union brother. That s the way I see it. ILWU recyclers win big raises in Oakland s new waste franchise deal; Waste Management workers will continue organizing for raises Recycler unity & action: ILWU members employed by two firms that process Oakland s residential, commercial and construction recycling held a joint strike last July to protest low pay and dangerous working conditions. Over two hundred workers and supporters brought their picket lines to city hall, then spoke at a City Council meeting. The action was one of many during an 18-month campaign that encouraged city officials to raise pay and improve benefits for recyclers covered by the City s new franchise agreement. An 18-month campaign by Bay Area recycling workers to improve pay and benefits hit a new milestone on July 30 when the Oakland City Council voted unanimously to raise recycler wages in the city s new 10-year residential waste and recycling service franchise agreements. This victory means that ILWU recycling workers have successfully implemented their higher wage and benefit standards at two of the largest city franchises in Alameda County, said ILWU Vice President Ray Familathe. This is an impressive demonstration of the recyclers persistence and courage. Recyclers organize Recyclers launched their campaign on February 2, 2013, when hundreds gathered for a historic Convention of Recycling Workers, at the Local 6 union hall in Oakland. Workers employed by four different recycling firms in Alameda County attended the event. They were joined by religious, labor, immigrant rights, environmental and political allies who all pledged to support the effort for better wages and improved safety through the Campaign for Sustainable Recycling. At the Convention, workers voted to adopt a new wage standard that would raise hourly pay to $20 - almost double what many recycling workers were being paid and include affordable family health benefits. Action at Waste Management Recycling workers employed by Waste Management in Oakland and San Leandro led the way early in the campaign by demanding raises, even before last February s Convention of Recycling Workers. Rank-and-file union leaders met on weekends in the Local 6 union hall to make plans for involving co-workers in the campaign to win a raise. They circulated petitions and held meetings with management. When the company refused to support a request for real raises, workers protested in front of the company s headquarters in Oakland. Then the company retaliated against immigrant workers, so an unfair labor practices strike was organized on March 15. The protest shut down the company s East Bay operation beginning at 2am. Teamster and Machinist Union officials agreed to support the strike for several hours. Within months, the company agreed to settle separate ILWU contracts covering ILWU workers at the landfill and clerical/customer service units but not recyclers. Victory in Fremont The first success in adopting the new wage standard was achieved last December by 65 recycling workers employed by the BLT recycling company in Fremont. Like the Waste Management workers, recyclers in Fremont also organized actions on the job to demand raises. They circulated petitions and presented them to management as a group to demonstrate unity. When the company agreed to work together with the union, they jointly approached Fremont City Council members about passing a modest residential rate increase of just one penny per day from each ratepayer so recyclers could earn a living wage of $20.94 by The Council adopted the small rate increase and the company agreed to begin paying the scheduled pay raises. Management sparks big strike Unlike the experience with BLT in Fremont, officials at Waste Management and California Waste Solutions continued opposing real raises for recycling workers during Both companies offered recyclers only meager raises and refused to cooperate with workers by approaching the City Council about including the new wage standard in the city s pending franchise agreement. Frustrations reached a boiling point on July 30 when workers from both companies united in a joint strike action. Two hundred recycling workers converged on the Oakland City Hall continued on page 6 DISPATCHER July/August

4 Bloody Thursday honored on West Coast Along the West Coast, hundreds of ILWU members joined with their families and community members on July 5th to mark the 80th anniversary of Bloody Thursday where they remembered the martyrs of the 1934 West Coast Waterfront strike and celebrated the hard-won gains on the waterfront. The struggle and sacrifices made eight decades ago by West Coast longshore workers gave birth to today s ILWU and radically improved wages and working conditions for dock workers. History of Bloody Thursday The 1934 strike began on May 9th, as West Coast longshoremen walkedoff their jobs and tried to shut 2,000 miles of coastline in order to win better wages, shorter work days, a uniform coastwise contract covering all ports, and replacement of the abusive shape up system with a union-run hiring hall. Sailors and other maritime unions joined the strike several days later. Violent confrontations soon occurred between union longshoremen, police and private security forces at ports up and down the West Coast. The first blood was spilled on midnight of May 15, 1934 at Berth 145 in Wilmington, California, where an encampment and stockade was established by employers to house strikebreakers and security forces who used guns, tear gas and clubs against union members. When it was over, Richard Dickie Parker died of gunshot wounds and five others were seriously wounded, including John Knudsen who died weeks later. In Seattle, Longshore worker Shelvy Daffron was killed on June 30, 1934, followed by the death of Olaf Helland from the Sailors Union of the Pacific who was slain at Seattle s Smith Cove on July 20. Bloody Thursday marks the police killing of San Francisco strikers Howard Sperry and Nick Bordoise who were shot along with dozens of others on July 5th, The killings and massive public support for strikers were catalyzed in a silent funeral procession that honored the fallen martyrs and sparked a city-wide general strike. The resulting crisis forced employers to meet most of the strikers demands, and pressured the government to legalize the collective bargaining process through the National Labor Relations Act that was signed by President Roosevelt on July 5, 1935 in Tacoma, Washington. Today, Bloody Thursday remains a time when West Coast docks are closed and ILWU members gather to honor the sacrifices made by all workers who gave their lives in Wilmington, Seattle, San Francisco, and Hong Kong during the 1934 waterfront strike. Southern California The 2014 Southern California Bloody Thursday celebration began at 10 am with a memorial service at Roosevelt Memorial Park in Gardena, where martyrs Dickie Parker and John Knudsen are buried. Over 300 people attended this year s memorial service including ILWU International Vice President Ray Familathe and Local 13 President Bobby Olvera Jr. Eighty years ago, Dickie Parker and John Knudsen lost their lives fighting for the same things we are struggling for today. We are trying to get a contract so we can take care of our families, said Familathe. Our master contract is open and the elected negotiating committee is working to bring home a good contract for you to look at. Local 13 President Bobby Olvera Jr., said it was a day to remember all of the ILWU brothers and sisters who have died on the waterfront Everybody that s here today we ve worked alongside someone who is no longer here. In addition to celebrating the camaraderie and the solidarity in the park today, let s also take a moment to remember those who are no longer here. After the memorial service, a funeral-style motorcade that included classic cars and motorcycles, made its way to Peck Park in San Pedro where thousands of ILWU members, pensioners, casuals, friends and family gathered to celebrate the day. Several Harbor-area elected officials attended the Bloody Thursday Picnic including Congresswoman Janice Hahn, State Controller John Chiang, and Los Angeles City Councilmember Joe Buscaino. Congresswoman Hahn presented Local 13 President Olvera, Jr., with an American flag that was flown over the Capital. San Francisco Bay Area residents awoke this year on the morning of July 5th to find a front-page story about Bloody Thursday in their San Francisco Chronicle newspaper, written by veteran journalist, Bay Area history buff and union supporter Carl Nolte. He explained how much the waterfront has changed Remembering Parker and Knudsen: Southern California ILWU members and pensioners gathered at Roosevelt Memorial Park in Gardena to remember Dickie Parker and John Knudsen, the first workers to be killed in the 1934 West Coast Strike. In the top left photo, Pensioner Jerry Brady reads his moving poem about the 34 strike near the gravesite of Parker. Approximately 300 people attended the service including Local 13 President Bobby Olvera Jr. (top row, center photo). ILWU International Vice President Ray Familathe (Top right photo on the left) who is standing with ILWU Pensioner Pete Fuller, former President of Local 54 for 23 years. The Local 13 motorcycle club came out in force (bottom left photo). Local 13 member Angel Blanco (bottom right) help to coordinate the memorial service. Honoring Frank Cresci: The San Francisco Board of Supervisors awarded Bay Area Longshoremen s Memorial Association (BALMA) President Frank Cresci with a certificate of honor. The certificate was presented to Frank by Christopher Christensen (right) at the Bloody Thursday memorial event at the Local 10 Hall. since July 5, 1934, when the then rabidly anti-union Chronicle described the scene as the darkest day in San Francisco since the 1906 earthquake. Nolte quoted historian Kevin Starr to set the scene: There were tanks patrolling the Embarcadero and machine gun nests. It had the look of a European-style revolution. Eighty years later, the morning ceremony at Local 10 was calm, respectful and carefully organized by the Bay Area Longshoremen s Memorial Association (BALMA). Master of Ceremonies and Bay Area Pensioner President George Cobbs asked Scott Barton to play taps on his trumpet, and the Drill Team displayed their colors in front of two coffins covered by wreaths of flowers that honored strikers Howard Sperry and Nick Bordoise. Young Aaliyah Washington- Purry sang the National Anthem, followed by a vocal contribution from Paul from da Hall Williams. Cobbs made an effort to welcome many special guests who attended, including families of Longshore workers from Seattle, Tacoma and Los Angeles. A touching moment came when BALMA President Frank Cresci, who has been courageously recovering from a stroke, was honored by the City and County of San Francisco for his many years of service to the community and labor movement. A Certificate of Honor was presented by BALMA Treasurer Christopher Christensen, and Cresci responded by thanking the audience and offering his own challenge, saying Let s stay ILWU strong! Brief commentaries and historical insights were provided by a team of speakers that included Local 10 President Melvin Mackay, ILWU Pensioner Gene Vrana and historian Harvey Schwartz, Local 10 Secretary-Treasurer Farless Dailey, BALMA Trustee Mike Villeggiante, Local 34 President Sean Farley, Local 91 Vice President Stan Hlynsky, Pensioners Cleophus Williams, Joe Lucas, Lawrence Thibeaux, George Romero and Ralph Rooker. Following the ceremony there was entertainment for children by 4 DISPATCHER July/August 2014

5 clowns, face-painters, balloon art and caricature artists. Lunch was provided for everyone attending, followed by live music and dancing that lasted until late afternoon. Seattle Seattle s annual Bloody Thursday picnic was held in Vasa Park and was sponsored by Locals 19, 52, 98, Pensioners and the Credit Union. There were plenty of games and activities. Everyone shared in the impressive BBQ feast. The event was coordinated by Local 19 member Robert Richmire and a team of volunteers. Portland Portland families marked the event as they have for many years by placing a wreath of flowers to honor the 1934 martyrs into the Willamette River, where currents eventually carry the flowers into the Pacific. Members from Local 8, 40 and 91 participated. The picnic that followed in Oaks Park included an impressive BBQ lunch. Live music and games for the kids topped-off a great day in the park. Photos by Ashley Hill Portland-area ILWU members, pensioners and their families gathered at Oaks Amusement Park to celebrate Bloody Thursday. Congresswoman Janice Hahn with ILWU Pensioner Lou Loveridge at the Local 13 picnic in San Pedro. Photo by Michelle Meese Longshore Caucus reconvenes to consider contract negotiations Marking 80 years since Bloody Thursday: Bay Area Pensioner President George Cobbs (top left photo) served as the events Master of Ceremonies other speakers included Pensioners Cleophus Williams (bottom left). continued from page 1 who is retiring at the end of July. His replacement, Andrea Stevenson, was recently appointed by the Plan Trustees. The former Local 52 President and 3rd generation longshore worker from Seattle thanked Nick Buckles, saying she had big shoes to fill. McEllrath outlined the status of the negotiations, emphasizing the Committee s efforts to maintain good health and pension benefits. He said the ILWU has consistently worked to see that the health plans operate properly, and has long urged employers to come forward with any evidence of waste or abuse so it can be addressed without harming beneficiaries. McEllrath noted a July 16 announcement by federal prosecutors that three individuals associated with a private surgical center in Southern California have been charged with defrauding several insurance plans, including the ILWU/ PMA Coastwise Indemnity Plan. McEllrath minced no words, saying: I m glad to see that the government s doing their job. Crooks who break the law and take advantage of our health care plans belong in jail. Local 13 President Bobby Olvera, Jr. was equally passionate about protecting the health plan from fraud. I was born into this plan and our families depend on it. Anyone who defrauds us is harming our families and all the members who came before us who sacrificed so we can enjoy these benefits today. The people who perpetrate fraud against our plan deserve no mercy as far as I m concerned. The Caucus did not set a time to reconvene, but President McEllrath said delegates should be ready to meet quickly at a future date that will be dictated by the progress or lack of progress at negotiations. We ve got a plan to get things done that meets the goals adopted by the Caucus, but I can t tell you how soon we will finish. Just keep pumpin and don t listen to any rumors, he said. DISPATCHER July/August

6 in memorium Former Local 12 President Wally Robbins passes away On July 16th the ILWU lost Local 12 longshore pensioner Wallace Wally Robbins. Wally was a strong believer in the uniqueness of the union s rank-and-file organization and spent his life dedicated to the ILWU. He served as a Labor Relations Committee (LRC) member, Longshore Caucus Delegate, and for over a decade, served as ILWU Local 12 President. He negotiated contracts for Local 12 affiliates and regularly attended local Port Commission meetings giving workers a strong-voice in the Coos Bay-North Bend, Oregon area. Wally was a dedicated unionmember who was eager to contribute to the ILWU. Over time, he became a well-known, experienced negotiator on the Coast Longshore Division Safety Committee during contract talks. Because of his experience and understanding of parliamentary procedure, Wally was elected to serve as a Caucus Chairman four times throughout the years. He possessed the ability to understand complex union issues, the patience to listen to opposing views and the courage to take a stand. Wally s sense of humor and his commitment to the principles of the ILWU garnered him lifelong respect and friendships coastwise. He retired in 2007 with over 40 years of service as a registered longshoreman. Wally lived the majority of his life on the Oregon south coast and enjoyed outdoor life rafting, camping, fishing and hunting with his family and friends. He was an avid sports fan and followed the progress of local high school and state college teams. Wally is survived by his wife Laura Robbins, (Local 12 member); brother Dorman Doc Robbins (Local 12, Ret.) and his wife Joy; children Danny Robbins (Local 12 casual) and Holly Stout; step-children James Orr (Local 12 casual), Kacey Brown, Shawnee Brown, and Kyle Fredrickson; and nine grandchildren. Former Local 12 President Wally Robbins The recent July 2014 ILWU Coast Longshore Division Caucus was dedicated in memory of Wally Robbins in recognition of the years he proudly and loyally served his union. ILWU recyclers win big raises in Oakland s new waste franchise deal; Waste Management workers will continue organizing for raises continued from page 3 where their noisy picket lines and rally received major media attention and plenty of notice from elected officials. Groups of workers met during the day with City Council members and state legislators. They gathered in the late afternoon for a rally on the City Hall steps, then went inside to speak at the City Council meeting. Dozens of workers spoke at the rally and meeting, explaining why their families needed the raises to survive, and urged the Council to include a recycling wage standard in the new franchise agreement. Community support The efforts by workers in Fremont and Oakland were supported by allies in the Campaign for Sustainable Recycling (CSR) who attended Council meetings, sent letters of support, and joined workers to meet with individual Council members. Organizations participating in the CSR include the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Worksafe, Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, Movement Generation Justice & Ecology Project, Center for Environmental Health, Northern California Recycling Association, California Immigrants Policy Center, Mujeres Unidas & Activas, Clean Energy Alliance, Communities for a Better Environment, and SEIU Disappointment with WM After 18 months of worker and community action, the Oakland City Council voted unanimously on July 30, 2014 to include the new recycler wage standard in their franchise agreement. This marked an important victory - but it also disappointed 130 recycling workers employed by Waste Management (WM) because that firm s bid to continue providing those services for another 10 years was unanimously rejected by the City Council. Waste Management has been collecting all of Oakland s residential waste and processing half the City s recycling for decades, but that work will now end on July 1, 2015 when California Waste Solutions assumes all those responsibilities. Without the new Oakland franchise agreement and revenue stream it provides for worker wage increases, Waste Management is less likely to provide recyclers the same pay raises that are now part of Oakland s new franchise agreement with California Waste Solutions (CWS). Surprising shake-up The City Council s vote surprised observers who thought Waste Management was likely to continue sharing the franchise agreement with CWS, a much smaller, locally-owned competitor who employs unionized mechanics and drivers. Labor relations factor But the bid submitted by Waste Management was more expensive for ratepayers than the one submitted by CWS. And CWS included some extra services in their bid which appealed to Council members. Officials at both Waste Management and California Waste Solutions initially resisted supporting the pay raises sought by recycling workers that became part of the new franchise agreement. A few days before the final City Council hearing on July 30, California Waste Solutions signed a new contract with Local 6 members that guaranteed a schedule of pay raises and family health benefits with no monthly premium cost share. On the day of the City Council decision, Waste Management officials met with the Local 6 Negotiating Committee and made significant movement, but failed to reach agreement. As The Dispatcher was going to press, a follow-up meeting had been scheduled for August 12. ILWU leaders and staff refused to take sides or play favorites with either company during the franchise selection process, because ILWU members were employed by both firms. Rubbed the wrong way At the City Council meeting on July 30, it was clear that Waste Management had rubbed City Council members the wrong way. During the meeting, one Council member recalled how the company had angered many by locking-out Teamster and Machinist union members during a month-long contract dispute in 2007 that brought the city s garbage collection to a halt and triggered a public health crisis. During that dispute, ILWU recycling workers courageously honored the Teamster and Machinist union picket lines, despite threats and retaliation from Waste Management. The company s decision to outsource dozens of Oakland-based customer service jobs done by ILWU members after the lockout was cited as a sore point by several City Council members. City Council members also complained that top Waste Management officials showed a lack of flexibility and were unwilling to compromise. When the meeting was over and the vote was taken, not a single member of the City Council supported Waste Management. Some layoffs possible When Waste Management s franchise agreement with Oakland expires next July, there will be some layoffs at Waste Management, but it is not clear how many. The city s new franchise agreement includes a provision - supported by the union - allowing workers to transfer from Waste Management to new positions at California Waste Solutions. There may be waiting lists for some jobs. Another route to raises Fortunately, Waste Management has franchise agreements with other cities besides Oakland that provide the company with a steady revenue stream and secure employment for recycling workers, even after the July 2015 franchise agreement expires with Oakland. The other franchise agreements are with the cities of Emeryville, Albany, and Hayward plus the Castro Valley and Ora Loma Sanitation Districts. Elected officials in those cities can authorize tiny rate increases that will provide enough revenue for Waste Management to pay better wages and good benefits for recycling workers. We ve learned from the Oakland experience and can apply those lessons as we approach other cities for their support to help us - and it will only cost those residents a few pennies a month to provide us with living wages and decent benefits, said Waste Management recycling worker Xiomara Martinez. Extending a hand Local 6 will continue extending a hand to Waste Management officials in an effort to achieve the same labormanagement cooperation that helped recycling workers in Fremont. We re hoping that officials from the company and other unions will work with us this time, because all of us should be working together to solve this problem, said recycling worker Mirella Jauregui. 6 DISPATCHER July/August 2014

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Flashcards Series 3 El Aeropuerto Flashcards are one of the quickest and easiest ways to test yourself on Spanish vocabulary, no matter where you are! Test yourself on just these flashcards at first. Then,

Nombre: Clase: Fecha: REPASO (Examen Final ESCRIBIR) TASK 1: Felicidades! You have been accepted into the university of your dreams! Tomorrow, you will have to meet with an admissions officer. Before your

The 2012 Massachusetts Summer Reading Program When you read, you score! This summer join the reading fun at your local library and be eligible to win some fantastic Boston Bruins prizes! Sign up online

Connection from School to Home Kindergarten Social Studies Unit 1 A Member of My Community Here is an easy activity to help your child learn about what it means to be a member of a community. Here is what

How to stay involved Como permanece participando Numerous opportunities exist to stay informed and involved in the I-70 East Corridor EIS. These include various written information in mailings, flyers,

MajestaCare Healthy Baby Program Helping you have a healthy baby Para que tenga un bebé saludable Your baby s provider After your baby becomes a member of MajestaCare health plan, you will get a letter

Dear Parents and Patrons, The purpose of this letter is to inform you that according to the 2013-14 state student assessment results NeSA reading, Gibbon Elementary School is considered a Title 1 School

& An explanation by Sr. Jdan direct object pronouns We usually use Direct Object Pronouns to substitute f it them in a sentence when the it them follows the verb. Because of gender, him and her could also

TITLE VI COMPLAINT FORM Before filling out this form, please read the Arcata and Mad River Transit System Title VI Complaint Procedures located on our website or by visiting our office. The following information

Pinche's Salsa Awesome prices with Pinche's salsas! Every time you buy your pinche's salsas you will reveive a ticket for any of the three sweeps takes that will take place in differnt stores inel Paso,

Ausentismo (Truancy - Why it's important to go to school) By Jesus Villasenor-Ochoa Reproduced with permission of the University of MN 2003 BRYCS is a project of the United States Conference of Catholic

Dear HSA-Houston High Parents/Guardians, We hope that everyone is having a wonderful summer. Student orientation is drawing near and to make the process run smoother, we are asking that you please complete

Welcome to the Leaders Only Invitation! Q & A A. Ultimate Cycler is here to stay! UC remains completely intact and is complementary to FreeToolBox. As a matter of fact, Ultimate Cycler is getting a facelift!

07 5 INVITATION: All National Fencing Federations affiliated to the FIE: Invitation to Participate: Junior World Cup Men s Epée San Salvador I greet you fraternally, with best wishing you success in our

Living in America Teacher Resource Series Lesson Script for Navigating the Community Note: This Lesson Script is for teacher use only. It is not intended for students because it contains the answers to

ALERT Customers who received a premium tax credit in 2014 and are preparing to renew his/her health coverage for 2016 are required to have filed his/her 2014 taxes in order to continue receiving his/her

1) What s Venezuela s main economic problem? 2) Where do dollars cost much more? 3) What does the country mainly export? 4) When did Maduro win the election? 5) What does Capriles do? What s his job? 6)

EXPANDING HORIZONS EXPAND HORIZONS IS WHAT PAUL CUFFEE SCHOOL DOES. When you gaze out at the horizon, what do you see? You see where one vista ends and another one begins. You think POSSIBILITIES Selected

Child Support and W-2 are working together to better serve Wisconsin families. More child support is paid when families understand the rules. Recent child support policy changes are giving more money back

TEACHER TOOLS: Teaching Kids Spanish Vocabulary An Activity in 4 Steps Teaching Kids Spanish Vocabulary Lesson for Spanish Teachers Learning new vocabulary words in Spanish is an important element in the

Proud member of the We Mean Business East new york Alliance. CHANGE IS COMING TO EAST NEW YORK, IT S HAPPENING NOW AND FAST, BE PREPARED. 1 Grow your biz 2 Learn to promote your biz 3 Know how to recruit

ACTIVITIES 2014 CHILEAN MINING COMMISSION Santiago, June 2014 Overview Introduction Organizations Main Events - year 2014 Some Details Constitution of the Board The current Board is constituted, composed

Cambridge IGCSE About CIE CIE examinations are taken in over 125 different countries Cambridge qualifications are recognised by universities, colleges and employers across the globe Sobre CIE Los exámenes

National Championship Challenge 4x4 Team Maxxis Extreme 4x4 National Championship Challenge 4x4 Yesterday November 28th, 2010, was the Cartago Race where the National Championship Challenge 4x4 occurred

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project to make the world s books discoverable online. It has

Art Studio Did you know...? Did you know...? In our Art Studio, we encourage children to use the materials in any way they wish. We provide ideas that they may use to begin work but do not expect copies